Microsoft Sues Motorola over Android Related Patents

With Windows Phone 7 launching next week, one has to question the timing of Microsoft's patent salvo against Motorola. Citing that the Android operating system used in quite a few of Moto's smartphones infringe on its patents, Microsoft's move can be interpreted as a 'punishment' for those manufacturers going Android and forsaking Win Phone 7. After all, we haven't seen Samsung or LG getting the same treatment despite their use of Android too.

Ars Technica - Microsoft has announced a lawsuit against Motorola, alleging that several of the mobile company's Android devices infringe on nine of its patents. The software giant is suing in US District Court in Washington, and is also bringing a complaint before the International Trade Commission (ITC). The patents are all related to key smartphone experiences that include syncing e-mails, calendars, and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications about changes in signal strength and battery power. Microsoft specifically names two Motorola devices, the Droid 2 and the Charm, but says these are just examples and not a comprehensive list.